Policing in New Zealand can be traced back to 1840 with the arrival from New South Wales, Australia of Lieutenant Governor William Hobson (RN) accompanied by six Constables (troopers). Policing in New South Wales had existed in various forms since the foundation of the colony in 1788. Initially it had been policed by Royal Marines (reluctantly on their part) but a cohesive Police Force as we would know it today did not come into existence until March 1862.

Professor Sinclair Stockman runs the office for the NZ Consulate in Northern Ireland from his home in Belfast. Stepping up to the door, a formal NZ plaque indicates I have the right place and if I was in any doubt of his allegiances, the Rugby jerseys hanging pride of place behind his office desk quell any concerns...

I recently gave a paper at the 22nd annual New Zealand Studies Association at Franklin University, Lugano Switzerland. As the chef said at breakfast the first morning, "Why would people from New Zealand come here to have a conference on New Zealand?"